Cuban government unveils 176 economic reform measures

The Cuban government published a package of 176 economic and social reforms grouped into 23 thematic areas, aiming to liberalise and decentralise the island’s economy. The measures were approved after consultations within the Politburo, the Central Committee of the Communist Party, the National Assembly and the Council of Ministers. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz said the public must be aware of the reforms.

Key provisions include allowing new actors in tourism, encouraging foreign direct investment (especially from non‑resident Cubans), expanding the role of the private sector, and introducing market‑based signals for resource allocation. Municipalities will gain authority over budgeting, taxation, environmental projects and land‑use decisions. The banking sector will open to private and foreign participation, a digital foreign‑exchange market will be created, and individuals may own multiple enterprises. State companies can be transformed into joint‑stock firms, the cap on private‑sector employment will be removed and diaspora Cubans will be permitted to invest in Cuban businesses and infrastructure projects.

Analysts note that critics describe the reforms as a “Potemkin façade”, arguing that the changes may be more about preserving political control and shifting blame for the country’s crisis onto U.S. sanctions rather than delivering genuine market liberalisation.